North Rugeley/Brereton Character Description : Predominantly large scale mid-late 20 th century commercial and industrial area, with some recent larger scale leisure uses. Character is purpose-built bulky industrial and office units on large plots with parking and service yards accessed off main roads. Key features are: Key Local Design Princip les or ‘New develop ment should’ : • Historically area was farmland between the Trent and • Retain commercial character of area with key economic Mersey Canal and River Trent before being developed in potential for District. 20 th century for industrial purposes. Canal formed part of • Continue to promote the high quality design and ‘Grand Cross’ linking the Midlands to the estuaries at the landscape principles of the Towers Business Park, four corners of central England. especially along Bypass and Canal frontages, with • Area bounded to south-west by the Canal and to north- predominance of good quality planting. east by green space of Trent valley. Adjoins River • Enhance frontages of older sites on Power Station Road Meadowlands landscape character to the north and lies and rear boundaries backing onto green/blue Canal on rural-urban fringe. corridor (and towpath) with planting/screening to create • Three main elements: Rugeley Power Station site (local visual interest and enhance wildlife potential. landmark), Power Station Road industrial area and the • Support retention of relatively tranquil character of more recent Towers Business Park on site of former adjoining rural landscape by continued buffering and Leahall Colliery. management of the urban edge using appropriate • All well served by road access from Rugeley By-pass species. which runs through area, a primary route, providing • Consider views of landmark cooling towers contributing gateway and node features at each end. to distinct identity. • Range of unit sizes from small to very large and mix of • Enhance gateways using visual and environmental commercial uses. Buildings along Power Station Road improvements to reinforce local identity. tend to be older, of smaller scale, in red brick and • Contribute to public realm improvements along Canal cladding, often with open car parks/railings to road towpath to enhance access for pedestrians, cyclists and frontages and grass verges. Towers Business Park wheelchair/pushchair users and to environmental medium to low density, larger scale, functional style and enhancement of corridor, with lighting kept to a minimum individual modern/contemporary designs with extensive to reduce urban impact on dark corridor. planting schemes external to site fencing in accordance Further information: with original brief. Low lying and open to views from • See character types descriptions for further information surrounding areas. on the built character and detailing. • Positive landmark identified as Towers Point (just within • Landscape Character Assessment (2008)- River Lichfield District). Power Station cooling towers form Meadowlands local landmark visible through area. • Rugeley EUS (2009/10)- HUCA 15 • Cannock Chase Local List Key Features Map Character and Landscape Types (period/type of development and type of open countryside nearby) Landmark 11- Rugeley Power Station Based on Ordnance Survey Mapping with the Permission of the controller of her Majesty’s Stationary Office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Cannock Chase District Council. Licence No. 100019754. 2010 Landmark 16- Towers Point .